Greenland Wolf

The Greenland wolf (Canis lupus orion) is a subspecies of the gray wolf. British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock described it in 1935.

Scientific name: Canis lupus Orionum

Type: Mammal

Average size: 5 feet (1.5 meters)

The Greenland wolf is described as a "very pale" white wolf, similar to the Arctic wolf, that lives in Greenland. It is a medium-sized but very light canine. 🐺Please note that this detail is still indicative as only 5 specimens were captured for study during the winter, which may explain their relatively light body weight, which may be attributed to malnutrition rather than canine and wolf-like conditions. Morphological differences among Arctic tundra upland wolves.

As the name suggests, the Greenland wolf lives in the Arctic region (Northern Hemisphere) in the cold region of Greenland.

He lives in extreme conditions, where summers are short and the maximum temperature reaches 5 degrees. In autumn and winter they are active alone or in groups. Its prey ranges from small lemming mammals to arctic hares and birds. It hunts large prey in herds, such as reindeer and musk oxen.

The status of the Greenland wolf as a distinct subspecies is controversial due to its close range to the Arctic wolf. Most biologists believe Greenland wolves migrated from Canada, crossing the frozen ocean between the two regions. A major problem in classifying Greenland wolves is that their numbers are so small that it is difficult to observe them. For this reason, there are not enough studies to compare with other studies of North American wolves.

The validity of the Orion wolfdog subspecies is still questioned by many scientists. These assumptions are not helped by the fact that wolves from Alaska have migrated and still migrate through Nares Strait.

Greenland wolves are on the verge of extinction, with an estimated population of around 100 individuals. Additionally, extreme climatic conditions would be detrimental to the survival of any cubs that might be born. Genetic capital is also very depleted. In fact, low numbers of individuals often lead to inbreeding.

Unfortunately, the Greenland wolf is not the only wolf species that is endangered, as are many subspecies on the American continent, such as the Yukon wolf.